James Forcillo Trial: Woman Says She Thought Sammy Yatim Was Attacking Her Family

TORONTO — A woman who was at the back of a Toronto streetcar when a teen pulled out a knife and lunged towards her sister says she was certain the youth was attacking her family.
An emotional Christy McGregor is testifying at the trial of Const. James Forcillo, who killed the teen on the streetcar a few minutes after panicked passengers rushed off the vehicle.
McGregor says she was with her two sisters and her 12-year-old daughter on a summer night in 2013 when they took seats near Sammy Yatim.
McGregor says she first got uncomfortable when Yatim shifted one of his legs so it was blocking one of her sisters.
Just a short while later, she says she saw a flash of silver and realized Yatim had a knife.

Toronto Police Const. James Forcillo killed Sammy Yatim on a Toronto streetcar after passengers rushed off the vehicle. (Photo: CP)

McGregor, who sobbed as she testified, says she saw Yatim swipe his knife towards one of her sisters and says she "was sure he got her."
The action triggered screams and a rush towards the front of the streetcar, which eventually stopped to let passengers off while Yatim remained on board.
The teen was killed in a standoff with Forcillo a short while later.
Forcillo has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and attempted murder in Yatim's death.
Crown prosecutors argue Forcillo's actions during the incident weren't necessary or reasonable. His lawyer contends the officer's actions were justified and carried out in self-defence.
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